April Matthis

April Matthis replaces Uzo Aduba in Roundabout's Toni Stone

The world premiere of Toni Stone begins performances at off-Broadway's Laura Pels Theatre on May 23, 2019.

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Roundabout Theatre Company has now announced complete casting for its upcoming world premiere of Lydia R. Diamond's new play Toni Stone and Obie Award winner April Matthis has replaced previously announced two-time Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba in the title role. Ms. Aduba has departed the producted due to scheduling conflicts.

Ms. Matthis will be joined on stage by Eric Berryman (as Elzie), Harvy Blanks (as Alberga), Phillip James Brannon (as King Tut), Daniel J. Bryant (as Spec), Jonathan Burke (as Stretch), Toney Goins (as Jimmy), Kenn E. Head (as Millie), and Ezra Knight (as Woody).

April Matthis' previous off-Broadway credits include Measure for Measure at the Public TheaterSignature Plays at Pershing Square Signature CenterAntlia Pneumatica and Iowa at Playwrights Horizons, and Fondly, Collette Richland and The Sound and the Fury (April Seventh, 1928) at New York Theatre Workshop.

Synopsis: "Toni Stone is an encyclopedia of baseball stats. She's got a great arm. And she doesn't understand why she can't play with the boys. Uzo Aduba knocks it out of the park as the first woman to go pro in the Negro Leagues. Featuring a bullpen of players crossing age, race and gender to portray all supporting roles, Toni Stone is a vibrant new play about staying in the game, playing hard, playing smart, and playing your own way."

Under the direction of Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon, the creative team features choreography by Camille A. Brown, scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez, lighting design by Allen Lee Hughes, costume design by Dede Ayite, and original music & sound design by Daniel Baker and Aaron Meicht.

Toni Stone will run at the Laura Pels Theatre from May 23 to August 11, 2019, with an official opening set for June 20.

Toni Stone Tickets are available now.

(Photo courtesy of Polk & Co.)

Originally published on

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